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Why choose an Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour?
- Flexible sightseeing at your own pace: Hop-on hop-off buses let you explore Edinburgh exactly the way you want. You can ride the full loop for a city overview or jump off at any stop to spend more time at landmarks that interest you, then hop back on whenever you’re ready.
- Convenient access to major attractions: These tours connect all the must-see sights, from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, New Town, and even the waterfront on certain routes. You save time navigating transport and enjoy seamless movement between the city’s top highlights.
- Engaging audio commentary: Multilingual audio guides share history, legends, and quirky local stories that bring Edinburgh to life while you ride. Some tours also offer kid-friendly commentary, making the experience fun and easy for families.
- Comfortable, scenic open-top views: With panoramic upper-deck seating, you can soak in Edinburgh’s skyline, architecture, and dramatic landscapes without constant walking. It’s especially perfect if you’re short on time or want a relaxed, scenic way to explore.
- Great value and added perks: A single ticket gives you unlimited rides for 24 or 48 hours, making it a cost-effective option compared to taxis or piecemeal transport. Some tours also include bonuses like discounted attraction entry, flexible ticket use, or family-friendly deals.
Comparison of Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tour operators: An overview
Features
Big Bus
City Sightseeing
Type of vehicle
Bus
Bus
No. of routes
2 routes
1/3 routes, depending on the ticket selected
No. of stops
20
26
Validity
24/48 hours
24/48 hours
Circuit time
Blue route - 55 minutes | Red route - 70 minutes
Blue route - 80 minutes | Green route - 65 minutes | Red route - 70 minutes
Facilities
Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Headphones
Audio guides
Yes, in 9 languages
Yes, in 10 languages
Other inclusions
-
English-speaking guide, Horrible Histories' kids' commentary, discounts at local attractions, complimentary headphones on the blue route
App assistance
Yes
No
Prices from
Adult - £20 | Child - £11 | Family - £45
Adult - £18 | Senior - £16
Book your Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tickets
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tours
Are the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tours worth it?
Absolutely! These tours are a budget-friendly way to access top attractions in Edinburgh without the public transportation hassles.
What should I consider when choosing a Hop-on Hop-off tour operator in Edinburgh?
Account for your budget, schedule, accessibility requirements, add-ons, audio guide availability, and more before deciding on which bus tour operator would suit your needs.
Are the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tours wheelchair accessible?
Yes, they are. Both operators have wheelchair friendly buses. However, we recommend getting in touch with them before your tour date so they can safely accommodate your needs.
How are Hop-on Hop-off tours different from other city tours? Which one should I choose?
Hop-on Hop-off tours let you jump on and off the bus as many times as you want within the validity period mentioned on your pass. City tours, on the other hand, have pre-designated hours, and you cannot get off the bus at major attractions. Opt for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour if you prefer to build your itinerary on the go, and for City Tours, if you’d prefer to kick back and take in the sights.
Can I get Wi-Fi on the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off buses?
No, neither operator offers onboard Wi-Fi.